1. Audi Q5
Price: from $47,400
The Q5 is more “packed” than the RX, admittedly seemingly less expensive to acquire (without the options, of course), but many consumers consider this utility as a competitor to the RX. The Q5 is among the most popular in the category and one of the most reliable too. As much as the RX? Not quite. More compact, the Q5 is less welcoming inside than the Lexus. However, the brand with the rings offers a more user-friendly interface (connectivity), enhanced driving pleasure due to a more finely tuned gearbox and more efficient all-wheel drive. On the other hand, the RX proves, with the adaptive suspension, better suspended while providing more careful acoustic comfort than that of the Q5.
2. Acura MDX
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ACURA
Acura MDX
Price: from $59,300
The MDX presents a happy compromise between comfort and handling. It turns out to be more athletic than the RX. More spacious (three rows of seats), more cumbersome too, this Acura is one step ahead of its Japanese rival in several respects. You can indeed configure your vehicle according to your criteria. Simply turn the wheel screwed to the heart of the dashboard to select one of the five driving modes available. Regardless of the program chosen, the transmission, steering, shifting and acceleration of the accelerator pedal will react differently. Recognized for its reliability and its torque, the 3.5 L V6 engine does not present any real surprises, except for its fuel consumption…
3. Lincoln Nautilus
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LINCOLN
Lincoln Nautilus
Price: from $59,800
Let’s not beat around the bush: the Nautilus suffers from the comparison with the RX. Even if the latter isn’t the most dynamic utility vehicle there is, it still remains livelier than this Lincoln. This offers a direction with a very average feeling. The vehicle settings (Normal, Comfort and Sport) hardly change the performance of this model, which nevertheless proves to be stable at all times and predictable. In Sport mode, the steering firmed up somewhat, but the sensations remained too vague to make you want to attack the turns with determination. The 2.7L V6 engine only gives its full potential if you fill it with premium gasoline, which it doesn’t save on. The consumption of the 2 L is much better, although far from exceptional for such a displacement.
